Research Showcase Abstracts
Explore abstracts from CFDR’s annual research showcase at the DC Conference.
Year
2023
Category
Research
Language
English
Subtype
Late Breaking
Names, Organizational Affiliations, and Locations of all Authors (2022 and Later)
S. Hameluck1, L. Lefley1, K. Loessl2, M. Richmond2, H. Tulloch2.
1College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK;
2Saskatchewan Health Authority, Saskatoon, SK.
1College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK;
2Saskatchewan Health Authority, Saskatoon, SK.
Title
Healthy Lifestyle Programs for Children with High BMI in Canada
Introduction/Purpose
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a disproportionate rise in body mass index (BMI) among children and teens as compared to pre-pandemic. This has increased the demand for lifestyle programs to treat and manage childhood obesity. Limited healthy lifestyle programs exist in Saskatchewan to support children with high BMI and their families.
Objective(s)/Process or Summary of Content
The purpose of this study was to identify best-practice program strategies for children with high BMI and perform an environmental scan of Canadian healthy lifestyle programs meeting best-practice in order to inform future pediatric obesity programming in Saskatchewan.
Method(s)/Systemic Approach Used
A literature review was completed to assess best-practices for lifestyle intervention programs. This was followed by an environmental scan of publicly-funded lifestyle treatment programs for childhood obesity currently offered in Canada.
Results/Conclusions
Current best-practices found in the literature recommend programming run by an interdisciplinary team, that includes a variety of topics (nutrition, physical activity, and behaviour modification), and has a follow-up strategy. A total of 13 healthy lifestyle programs were reviewed. Registered dietitians, social workers, and exercise specialists were the most common occupations involved in programs. All programs (n=13) covered nutrition and physical activity topics, and 77% of programs (n=10/13) included family lifestyle change and mental health topics. Nearly 70% (n=9/13) programs had a follow up process for participants.
Conclusions(s)/Recommendations
Our literature review identified best-practice strategies for childhood obesity such as comprising an interdisciplinary healthcare team, involving comprehensive programming (including nutrition, physical activity, and behavior modification), and providing a form of follow-up post-program. Although the programs included in our environmental scan were diverse, the majority followed all three strategies.
Significance to Dietetics
Our results will help Saskatchewan leaders increase the effectiveness of provincial childhood obesity services.
Funded by
No funding